Sweet, crunchy, healthy and delicious honey sesame granola–the BEST granola I have ever tasted with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
I wasn’t going to post this yet. I wanted to fill my January posts with tons of healthy savory dinners that are easy and delicious–you know New Year’s Resolution food. Not that this isn’t, or shouldn’t be, but I was just planning on sharing the backlog of dinners sitting in my Lightroom, but instead I’m sharing my very favorite granola. From a girl who loves granola.
I actually made it the first time a few months ago, and Steve and I both agreed it was our favorite, so when we were discussing what to do for Christmas stocking stuffers, we very quickly decided this had to be in the mix. It’s a huge batch (like all of my granola recipes) and makes about 12 cups which is just enough to give to our big combined family, a couple or friends, and of course, the bike shop.
Christmas morning rolled around, and as everyone peaked into their stockings and started snacking on their granola, and everyone started asking me what was in it, and trying to steal the granola out of each other’s stockings. It was crazy. People with all different taste types (like, they would never order the same thing at a restaurant) were raving about it, and they all kept asking for me! Then I guess the guys at the bike shop have been hounding Steve about the recipe, so he told me I needed to post it.
It’s the honey sesame cashews and honey sesame almonds from Trader Joe’s that make it really special. If you don’t have a TJ’s near you, I’m sure you could recreate those on your own. Other than that, it’s SO simple. Just a handful of wholesome ingredients and only 2 tablespoons of oil in the entire batch! Definitely a great way to start your day off on a delicious and healthy note!
Sweet, crunchy, healthy and delicious honey sesame granola--the BEST granola I have ever tasted with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rolled oats (use gf if necessary)
- 1 lb honey sesame almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 lb honey sesame cashews, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300. Line two large baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, and cinnamon.
- In a small saucepan, warm the apple butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined, whisking constantly. Add the honey mixture into the dry ingredients and toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly between your 2 prepared baking sheets.
- Bake until granola is golden and starts to crisp up, about 1 hour, stirring gently every 20 minutes to avoid burning. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The granola will stay fresh for at least one month. I’ve never made a batch last any longer than that, but it’s still great a month in!
Notes
If you'd like a more predominant sesame flavor, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup sesame seeds to dry mixture (do not use toasted sesame seeds). I found there to be plenty from the honey sesame nuts, but you are welcome to add more!
If you want the extra large clusters in your granola, make sure when you stir granola while cooking that you are very gentle and careful
“Hi I’m a bowl of granola and I have some thoughts. I love when I get put in stocking stuffers and go crunch crunch crunch in people’s mouths and they get a great big smile on their face because I am the best granola in the world.” -thoughts from Ari’s granola (picture one inspired)
Ummm, I love you.
I love granola! My kids love granola! Guaranteed I will be making this soon.
Yay!! Let me know how you all like it! 🙂
((sharing. and wanting here. wanna make and FED EX? WE PAY :-))
Aww you’re so sweet! And, uh, YES! 😉
I was just looking at all our oats and saying it’s time to make granola!!
I usually have to make a special trip to get extra oats since I make it so often, but having extra oats is definitely a great reason to start! 🙂
YES! can’t ever go wrong with granola!
Love new flavor profiles for granola, this one looks great! Great minds think alike — I also made granola and packaged it up cute for stocking stuffers!
So smart! And way better than the candy most people buy to stuff in there!
Looks delicious Ari! I really need to get around to making granola one of these days!
What a hit— and so easy with the honey sesame snacks from TJ’s!
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted…Message from Coach Darin: Fighting Colon Cancer (or Better, Preventing It)